_And the Spirit entered into me._ GOD HELPING HIS MINISTERS Mark the course of a river like the Thames; how it winds and twists according to its own sweet will. Yet there is a reason for every bend and curve; the geologist, studying the soil and marking the conformation of the rock, sees a reason... [ Continue Reading ]
_I send thee to the children of Israel._ THE COMMISSION OF EZEKIEL I. The commission. Is it not an act of infinite condescension, that God should take any notice of us? For what are we? Poor finite creatures; of limited capacities, with tendencies to evil, tendencies to the very thing that God Almi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be not afraid of them._ ENDURANCE OF THE WORLD’S CENSURE What is here implied, as the trial of the prophet Ezekiel, was fulfilled more or less in the case of all the prophets. They were not teachers merely, but confessors. This world is a scene of conflict between good and evil. The evil not only... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt speak My words unto them._ THE MINISTERIAL COMMISSION I. The parties concerned in this commission. These are, first, the Eternal God, our King and Creator and Judge, who issued this commission; secondly, the preachers of the Gospel who are appointed to execute it; thirdly, the hearers o... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be not thou rebellious._ MINISTERS EXPOSED TO CORRUPTION BY THEIR PEOPLE This was the same as to say, “I know the degeneracy of the times. I know the corruption and obstinacy of the people. I know they will stop their ears and harden their hearts against Divine truth. And I know that for this pur... [ Continue Reading ]